Eko: Digital Stethoscope + ECG

I purchased Eko device during the hight of pandemic because I needed a compact stethoscope device that reduced clutters that I had to carry while seeing patients in ER. This device fit the need. Compact in size, easy to protect by covering it w a glove, easy to disinfect, quick to use and put away in a pocket. Able to hear despite negative pressure pump in patient’s room. It is inconvenient and have to adjust to having a earbud in my hear while talking to the patient. However, I was safely and conveniently auscultate patients including COVID PUI with asthma/CHF,etc. Had a major set back with bluetooth connection for about 6 wks that was very frustrating & trying to resolve it by email was futile. I was appreciate of the support team who arranged for a zoom mtg. The issue is resolved now. The device connects seamlessly. It does drain phone battery and this is something I’ll have to collect more detailed data to give feedback. I find it necessary to carry my Litmann stethoscope tube with me in case of any malfunction w Eko. I prefer Littmann chest piece with the Eko attachment. Support team has been responsive. Emily has been very responsive, accommodating and instrumental in my continued use of the Eko attachment device. In a busy, loud ER in this unpredictable pandemic period, this device is innovated and has the edge.

I never write reviews, but this stethoscope blew me away and I decided to take the time to give my honest opinion. I got the purple one and the color is amazing. When I first unboxed it and used it, there was a learning curve, the placement is slightly different (I used the core prior to upgrading to the eko) and it’s a lot lighter than the core so that took some getting used to. When I’m in the ED, it’s a little cumbersome, but I detach the chest piece and pop in my earbuds (I use Bose ultra open, I hear everything around me and can still listen to the stethoscope) and use the chest piece independently. No dirty scope around the neck! Quality is amazing, it’s Littmann. AI detection of murmurs and abnormal rhythm is getting better everyday, it’s already really good, but a trained ear is needed to verify. Overall, this stethoscope has significantly improved my cardiac and pulmonary assessments. I would recommend this product for anyone that needs amazing cardiac and pulmonary assessments! They did a great job with this one & the battery lasts forever.

I purchased this stethoscope with some extra CME funds, and I was so excited to try it in my practice. To start with, as a pediatrician I was disappointed that they don’t have a stethoscope designed for smaller humans. That being said, I was still looking forward to trying the new stethoscope with the rhythm and murmur analysis. I tried it first on myself and it detected a fib. I repeated the exam multiple times with the same results. The following day I scheduled an appointment with the cardiologist who did an EKG which was normal. We followed that with a seven day Holter monitor, which was also normal. Ultimately this has cost over $1000 in medical bills unnecessarily. What it appears it was detecting was sinus arrhythmia. I understand that this device is not designed to be perfect but with my N of 1, it has been very imperfect. The cardiologist I saw had tried the stethoscope and was also not a fan. He stated that “it seems to present more questions than answers.” When I went to cancel my membership, the app made it impossible. When I finally got to the point where I was able to cancel I received an error message. I reached out to the support team via email and received a message that the wait times were longer than expected. I will now likely be charged for a full membership, which is ridiculous. I find it disappointing that this company has made it so difficult to cancel a membership. It seems that they want people to forget that they have a membership and leave it on auto renew. I am disappointed with the device, the customer service, and the app functionality. I would not recommend this product.